Why are Roots a problem for sewer lines?
Root damage can cause extensive damage to your home itself. Once
the sewer lines have been compromised, many problems can occur
within the home. The water supply can be interrupted and floor
drains and toilet can back up, potentially causing flooding or
damage to appliances.
No type of sewer line is immune to roots. Clay pipes, the most
common kind of pipe in older water and sewer systems, are the most
susceptible to root damage. Roots will penetrate any crack, hole,
or poorly sealed joint in a sewer line. Concrete and PVC pipes are
less susceptible to root intrusion but are not root-proof. Once
roots penetrate the line, they can exert considerable pressure on
the pipe, which then must be repaired or replaced.